Elysvarre, Throne Room
Three Days After the Lamia Attack
Beneath the majestic and sparkling crystal dome, Fitran sat upright on the throne, his gaze sweeping over the anxious nobles of Elysvarre gathered before him. The soft glow of crystal lamps mingled into fragments of light, creating dancing shadows on the walls, as if capturing the complexities of intrigue and the clamor enveloping the kingdom. The gentle whispers and palpable tension heightened the atmosphere, making it feel as though lurking danger was poised to strike, like an approaching storm with no warning.
In front of them, a large map unfurled, displaying the kingdom's territories in striking detail. Signs of conflict began to appear across the realm, like red splotches on a white cloth, a stark reminder of the potential devastation that lay ahead. The sharp aroma of spices and ancient runes carved on magical artifacts wafted through the air, reminding them of the precious legacy that must be preserved and defended at all costs, as if it were a bridge to a better future.
Eastern Border: Small towns have begun reporting the disappearance of their ruling nobles, causing uncertainty to envelop the region. A sense of worry clouds their somber faces, as if each one bears the profound weight of sorrow embedded in their hearts, reflecting a long history of loss and conflict that has plagued the area.
Southern Region: A group of radical individuals worshipping the sins of Greed and Sloth has started to sow chaos. The sound of screams and the rhythm of dark spells echo from afar, adding to the ominous shadows in an already threatening sky.
Western Territory: Sorcerers from an ancient faction have begun to vanish into a terrifying mystery. Whispers of them being trapped in another dimension spread rapidly, creating waves of fear among those who come to witness.
To the north, emptiness creeps slowly, gnawing at the forested region, causing plants to wither and animals to succumb to decay for no clear reason. A chilly breeze rustles gently through the fragile branches, and the sounds of nocturnal creatures that typically break the silence seem muted, as if the forest itself mourns the looming disaster, warning of the loss of such a delicate ecosystem that connects life in the area with the wonders of nature.
The Seven Deadly Demon conspiracy has spread.
"This is no longer a war between Elysvarre and the demons; this is a battle for human rights, a war that has infiltrated the very core of humanity."
"It is... an infiltration that pervades every layer of humanity."
Nervous discussions erupted among the advisors, reflecting the deep-seated anxiety that weighed on their souls. Shadows flickered across the candlelit walls, creating a tense atmosphere that intensified their words. It served as a reminder of the terrifying consequences that uncertainty held for them, highlighting their vulnerability in the face of this growing threat.
"We believe that the human enhancers are now collaborating with the followers of sin."
"Rumors suggest that even some of the nobility of Elysvarre have begun to be affected."
Fitran clenched his fists, feeling the cold wind blow, whispering forbidden names from the corners of the room, as if the wind itself was amplifying the turmoil raging in his heart, hinting that their future was threatened by dark forces that could not be ignored.
"They do not only wish to seize Elysvarre.
They are ambitious to steal the future of humanity.
To erase the newly born will before it has the chance to shine."
"Yet, I still do not fully understand... why they are so frightened."
He glanced at Sheena, who sat gracefully on the throne beside him. The golden jewelry around Sheena's neck seemed to catch every glimmer of light, creating a beautiful play of illumination, while her forbidden aura radiated firmness and a smoldering doubt, contrasting deeply with the tense atmosphere.
Sheena appeared calm on the surface, but the weary glint in her eyes hinted at the burden she bore. Outside the room, the sky of Elysvarre faded, heralding the arrival of a dark and mysterious night, as if nature itself sensed the looming pressure.
"I know you hold a secret, Sheena.
But I will give you time.
I trust you."
In the secret chamber beneath the palace, Sheena sat gracefully in a meditation chair, exuding an aura of tranquility. Surrounding her, the protective magic circle crafted by Serana Elnivar, a legendary sorceress, glowed softly in violet light. This light created flickering shadows on the intricately carved walls, adding a sacred ambiance to the moment. The fragrant aroma of spices, reminiscent of jasmine and cinnamon, filled the air, offering a sense of peace amidst the chaos surrounding the palace.
Sheena's burden grew heavier, drawing her closer to an unavoidable destiny.
However...
A strange aura began to envelop her body. A wave of exhilarating energy surrounded the space around her, causing fine dust from the floor to rise gradually as if celebrating the power that was beginning to awaken within her. Both she and her unborn child became inseparable parts of a larger universe, a vessel for a magical event poised to change everything.
At times, the spells within the palace trembled with uncertainty as her footsteps approached. The once harmonious flow of magic was interrupted, and the magnificent creations that were previously safeguarded began to quiver, ensnared in an undefined fear. Some servants even lost their grip on memory for a few seconds while engaging in conversation with her.
The fetus in her womb began to influence the reality around her. Cautiously, no one fully understood the impact of this new presence; yet, soft whispers spoke in ancient tongues buried deep within their souls, as if the entity growing within Sheena could transcend the boundaries between the known world and the uncharted, revealing the potential of extraordinary powers lying dormant within her, signaling that this emerging life could serve as a bridge to an unpredictable future.
"My child... your will has begun to touch the world."
"But you must not be known to the world.
Not yet."
She gently stroked her belly, feeling the small yet hopeful movements within, like a soft whisper from her child's soul ready to face the challenges of the world. In the stillness of that moment, the pulse of life seemed to reflect dreams and aspirations, as if the little one was calling for preparations to confront the light and darkness that dominated this earth.
"Your father will protect us... even though he doesn't know yet."
Elsewhere—within the endless void outside the boundaries of the world—seven shadows moved in silence. This space felt like a dimension freed from the shackles of time, where light and darkness blended in an eternal dance. Mysterious voices echoed softly, shaping the shadows of hidden plans filled with deceit.
Asmodeus, Beelzebub, Leviathan, Mammon, Belphegor, Lucifer, and Satan. They are the manifestations of the will of darkness, with dim lights dancing along their forms, adding an illusion of life amidst the frightening emptiness. A tense atmosphere enveloped them, their faces marked by vigilance and calculation.
Lamia stood next to Asmodeus, her body still towering despite the wounds from her last clash with Sheena. Each scar was not merely a mark of battle, but a reminder of the price paid in this perilous arena.
Asmodeus intoned in a low, measured voice:
"Fitran Fate has become a threat that cannot simply be eradicated through strength."
"And the will that is growing in the womb of Sheena Elyndra...
it is more dangerous than any weapon or kingdom."
Mammon interjected:
"That is a seed that could rewrite the very will of the world."
"If that child is born and grows...
the Seven Deadly Demons will no longer be the epicenter of sin's power."
Lucifer smiled faintly, his eyes shimmering under the soft light emitted by the magnificent crystals hanging from the ceiling. The room was adorned with colors that exuded a mystical aura, as if singing magical notes that filled every corner, creating an atmosphere that sparked curiosity about the secrets that might be hidden in the darkness enveloping their minds.
"So, it's time for us to no longer attack directly."
"Let us exploit human desires."
"Corruption, power, and fear."
"We will create a group of humans that will compel Sheena to relinquish her will."
Beelzebub remained silent.
He gazed at the faint Voidwright symbols floating in the emptiness of the room, glimmering like stars lost in the darkness of night. In the silence that absorbed all sound, his thoughts were trapped in deep contemplation about the noise that surrounded the outside world, where leaders battled in schemes and suspicions, unaware of the greater threat lurking from within.
"I could destroy them now.
Yet, I want to see how strong this new will can endure."
"I want to witness how she battles a world full of desires."
"I... want to understand human love."
For the first time, Beelzebub found himself in partial disagreement with Seven's plan.
In Elysvarre, amidst a garden filled with flowers that sparkled like morning dew, Sheena often experienced waves of dizziness as night fell. The gentle rustle of the wind, combined with the chirping of nocturnal creatures, created a mysterious atmosphere enveloping her. As tension heightened, Madam Ilareth and Serana approached, their faces painted with concern:
"Your Majesty, this pregnancy... the fetus will not endure if it is forced to bear such a will that grows like a storm with unstoppable power."
But Sheena responded only with a defiant gaze, directed at the shimmering stars in the night sky:
"I will endure."
"I don't care if my body breaks."
"As long as my child lives."
The secret remained guarded with unwavering conviction; no one must tear down the veil of truth she had built around herself.
Fitran must not know.
For if he did, he would cease all struggles to protect her.
Surrounded by the gentle flicker of candlelight, the room reflected the twinkle of ancient charm hanging from the ceiling. The warm aroma of herbs mingled with tension and hope, filling the air with an irresistible magical ambiance that deepened every breath, enveloping the fragile balance between reality and unspoken aspirations.
"I don't want him to sacrifice our future."
In the grand chamber of Elysvarre, Fitran stood before a shimmering world map, as if every curve and line etched upon it held profound secrets. Above the map, lines of void magic began to weave a complex and enigmatic pattern, glowing with an intensity that stirred curiosity about the consequences of every decision made. A cold breeze crept through the wide window, whispering distant threats that sent shivers through his soul, akin to the unending murmurs of a darker world.
"This is not just random attacks."
"They are constructing a field of will."
"The Seven Deadly Demons are preparing a grand ritual...
and the target is neither me.
Nor this kingdom."
"But something... or someone... close to me."